“I have nothing but positive feelings towards that cast, towards my experience there,” Pino says. “It’s boggling to think that Mariska [Hargitay, the sole remaining original cast member] has kept up that level of artistry and commitment. Not only to Olivia Benson, but to survivors. I think she’s everything that every artist could hope be, and [also enacts] positive, legitimate change. Not only through her work, but through her advocacy. I hold her in the highest regard; I like to think of her as a sister, and one of the biggest reasons I loved being on the show.”

Though Pino is busy with his current series, MAYANS M.C., he admits he’s proud of what his former series has been able to pull off. “I’m excited for all of them, that they’re breaking a record,” he says. “A lot of the writers are still there [and] the writing on the show is what carries the show. The complexity of not only the regular characters, but the guest stars who come in—that’s why they attract such amazing guest stars: because it’s so well-written. It’s one of those things where you’re so happy to have had that experience. And you’re even more happy that it continues and fans get to experience even more seasons of such a great show, but also an important show for television.”

And while it’s a big year for the show—which has been known to bring back familiar faces—Pino admits there has been no talk about him popping in again. “Look, Amaro is still alive,” he points out. (His character left New York and the force in his final episode.) “I’m not sure where any of that stands, but I’m very happy on my end. [MAYANS’] Miguel Galindo is such a complicated, interesting character, and unlike anything that I’ve done in the past, which is really what I was looking to do. But I love Amaro. And I love what he stood for. I love his complications [and] his inconsistencies. I really enjoyed that. And I think [returning showrunner] Warren [Leight] is a true singular talent, so I was happy to see that he that he came back.”

Whether he ever returns or not, “I see SVU as family that lives on the other side of the country, that I keep an eye on and I wish the best for,” he continues. “I’m so proud of being a small part of that legacy.”

LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT, Season Premiere, Thursday, September 26, 10/9c, NBC